socials on decline?

[Lil' Hannah]

I've noticed the same on my campus. Mostly for the reasons that you've mentioned, as well as the push to get social events at third party venues, which can be costly and therefore reduces the number of events a house can have. A lot of houses on my campus get kegs at a local bars with other houses. They're only a few blocks away from greek row so transportation doesn't need to be arranged, and it qualifies as a third party vendor event. Try talking to establishments in the area and see if they'll let you rent out a portion of the bar for cheap or give your houses drink specials for the evening.